Tour Overview

When visiting Belize, one must experience Beautiful Bays and Ancient Sites: Beyond Belize’s Mayan Ruins! This combined tour includes a visit to Belize’s Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, and a visit to the Maya ruins of Tikal in Guatemala. Yampu travelers will also visit the Rainforest Medicinal Trails and Butterfly Farm near San Ignacio in the Cayo District, the Belize Zoo, and the amazing barrier reef of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Ambergris Caye. We will spend the last 4 days relaxing in Ambergris Caye. This island, largely unaltered by human hands, is mostly a mangrove swamp surrounded by a ring of white sandy beaches.

Country Notes:

Belize:

A valid passport is required to travel and should have at least 6 months’ validity after your return home. You should have at least 2 blank pages per country that you are visiting. If your passport does not meet this requirement at the time of departure, you can be denied boarding for your international flight and may consequently incur additional expenses.

You do not need a visa to enter Belize with a US or UK passport. Please check with your local consulate as this information is subject to change without prior notice. A valid passport is required to travel and should have at least 6 months validity after your return home. You should have at least 2 blank pages per country that you are visiting. If your passport does not meet this requirement at the time of departure, you can be denied boarding for your international flight and may consequently incur additional expenses.

For up to date information on recommended and required vaccinations and general health travel tips for Belize please refer to the CDC Website. Please consult with your physician for clarification or concerns regarding recommended or required vaccinations.

Guatemala:

A valid passport is required to travel and should have at least 6 months’ validity after your return home. You should have at least 2 blank pages per country that you are visiting. If your passport does not meet this requirement at the time of departure, you can be denied boarding for your international flight and may consequently incur additional expense. A tourism visa for Guatemala is not required for stays up to 90 days if you are a citizen of the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Norway or Sweden. Please contact your local consulate for the most up to date information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel alert for countries and territories where Zika virus has been found (Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela). If you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant, please consult your doctor before traveling to Guatemala. For up to date information on recommended and required vaccinations and general health travel tips for Guatemala please refer to the CDC Website. Please consult with your physician for clarification or concerns regarding recommended or required vaccinations.

Inclusions

Prices includes Belize City to San Pedro return, hotel accommodation including continental daily breakfast, guided tours in English, meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides, and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

Best Time to Travel

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Pricing Details

3-Star

4-Star

5-Star

Luxury

Double

£&dollar;3628

£&dollar;4023

£&dollar;4910

£&dollar;5408

Single

£&dollar;6325

£&dollar;6926

£&dollar;9029

£&dollar;10026

Prices shown above are per person, in US Dollars (&dollar;) or Pound
Sterling (£) for residents in the UK. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to
international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and
availability.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified
otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize
this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This
is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day

1

Belize City

Upon arrival in Belize City, be met by the guide who will assist with the transfer to the Cayo Disctrict. En route, visit the Belize Zoo and the Xunantunich Maya Site. The Belize Zoo is located at Mile 31 on the Western Highway, a 40- minute drive from Belize City. Only indigenous species are housed at the Zoo, all of which have been either rescued or donated from owners who could not take care of the animals properly. The "guests" are housed in large compounds containing what would be their natural habitat. read more...

Upon arrival in Belize City, be met by the guide who will assist with the transfer to the Cayo Disctrict. En route, visit the Belize Zoo and the Xunantunich Maya Site. The Belize Zoo is located at Mile 31 on the Western Highway, a 40- minute drive from Belize City. Only indigenous species are housed at the Zoo, all of which have been either rescued or donated from owners who could not take care of the animals properly. The "guests" are housed in large compounds containing what would be their natural habitat. Birds, cats, crocodiles, monkeys, the list seems endless. A great opportunity to view and photograph those beasts of the rainforest not easily seen in the wild.
Lunch and a great shopping opportunity will recharge the batteries for the afternoon's delights! Tour continues along the Western Highway through San Ignacio in the Cayo District, until we arrive at the village of San Jose Succotz where a hand cranked ferry carries vehicle and passengers to the other side of the Mopan River. One more mile will bring the visitor to the impressive Maya Site of Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock). A major ceremonial center, and one of the countries larger excavated sights, the view from the largest pyramid El Castillo is remarkable. Overnight in Cayo Hotel.

Note: if one is to arrive in the afternoon, a night in Belize City will be reqired....read less

Day

2

Full day tour of Barton Creek & Greens Hills Butterfly Farm

It takes 45 minutes approximately from San Ignacio to this exciting canoe trip into a remote cave formerly used by the ancient Mayans as a burial site and for ceremonial purposes. A visit to Barton Creek Cave involves spending over an hour paddling canoes along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the mountain. The guide will point out skulls and artifacts as one passes between stalactites. The high ceiling, beautiful rock flows and cathedral chambers make this a beautiful place to photograph. The cave is adorned read more...

It takes 45 minutes approximately from San Ignacio to this exciting canoe trip into a remote cave formerly used by the ancient Mayans as a burial site and for ceremonial purposes. A visit to Barton Creek Cave involves spending over an hour paddling canoes along an ancient Mayan waterway inside the mountain. The guide will point out skulls and artifacts as one passes between stalactites. The high ceiling, beautiful rock flows and cathedral chambers make this a beautiful place to photograph. The cave is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Mayan pottery shards and bones can be observed by the guide’s spotlights.
After lunch have a relaxing afternoon at the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch where one can enjoy the unique pleasure of seeing beautiful and spectacular butterflies fluttering about in a tropical environment; flitting and feeding from flower to flower. See the amazing life cycle of the butterfly and compare the colors and difference of caterpillars and cocoons. The Belize Butterfly House, Located in the Cayo district, between limestone’s hills covered with lush vegetation one will find "Green Hills", the Belize Butterfly Ranch and Botanical Collections. Flocks of butterflies, from brilliant blue to gorgeous orange, dazzling yellow to intriguing gray, fly freely in a 3,300 sq. ft., beautifully landscaped flight area: The largest live butterfly display in Belize. En-route to the cave one will drive through the traditional Mennonite village of Upper Barton Creek. ...read less

Day

3

Transfer to Tikal. Full day visit to the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal.

One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its highest point, one can perceive the sounds of the rain forest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, UNESCO declared Tikal Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity in 1979. Overnight in Flores.

One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its highest point, one can perceive the sounds of the rain forest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, UNESCO declared Tikal Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity in 1979. Overnight in Flores.

Day

4

Day at leisure

Optional return visit to Tikal or other Mayan ruins.

Optional return visit to Tikal or other Mayan ruins.

Day

5

Belize City- San Pedro

Private transfer to Belize City to take the flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.

Private transfer to Belize City to take the flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Overnight in San Pedro Hotel.

Day at leisure

Day at leisure

Flight Home

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize, or choose from optional add-ons in Belize, Guatemala (Tikal) or other Central American countries.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to Belize, or choose from optional add-ons in Belize, Guatemala (Tikal) or other Central American countries.

Places You'll See

Peten

Dotted with many Mayan Archaeological sites the area of Peten, once the hub of Mayan civilization, is full of history and ancient mysteries. Deep in the rainforests of Peten is the ancient city of Tikal, among other lost Mayan cities that have begun restoration.

Ambergris Caye

Take in the striking white sands and blue waters at Ambergris Caye, the largest Island of Belize. With so many options for entertainment and adventure, one will never grow bored! Take on the Mayan Underworld, a series of caves that one can experience through tubing. Enjoy the wildlife with birding or scuba diving, or just relax in the soft snow-white sands.

San Ignacio

Known for its lush forests, waterfalls and archeological sites, San Ignacio is the place for adventure. Hike and trek through the dense jungle and visit ancient Mayan sites such as Xunantunich, once a Maya ceremonial center. Also, get acquainted with nature with a visit to the Noj Ka’ax H’Men Eljio Panti National Park.

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Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Black Rock Lodge

Black Rock Lodge’s stunning rainforest location offers unmatched opportunity for adventure. The Lodge’s 20 cabins boast stunning views of Black Rock Canyon, the Macal River, and the surrounding rainforest and wildlife. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms and closet areas. Simply decorated, the cabins display artwork created by local artisans and craftspeople. Guests can enjoy swimming in the mountain-fed river or the outdoor pool, personal yoga in the Palapa, birdwatching, and more. Breakfast and lunch are served a la carte from the restaurant, and dinner is served family-style with a “Chef’s Choice” entrée selection.

Windy Hill

Windy Hill Resort is located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, the most diverse area of Belize. Windy Hill Resort offers 13 air conditioned deluxe cottages and 10 air conditioned standard rooms with all the modern conveniences in a lush tropical setting. Each cottage is decorated with exotic hardwoods, local art and hand-woven rugs. All the furnishings are custom-made by local craftsmen. The resort also features a beautiful outdoor pool, a fitness center, a lounge bar and an a la carte restaurant.

Ramon’s Village

Ramon’s Village Resort is the premiere beach resort in San Pedro, Belize. Styled after the Tahitian cottages on the Polynesian island of Bora Bora, the cabanas are built from native materials by craftsmen utilizing the same skill and techniques the islanders used in the days of the great sailing ships. The rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, a ceiling fan, private bathroom, and beautiful views. The resort features a lagoon style pool, a fabulous beach, a diving center, and the Beach Spa. Guests can enjoy a delicious dinner at Pineapples On The Beach, or a specialty coffee and fresh fruit smoothie at Tropic Al’s.

Sunbreeze

SunBreeze Suites is situated in the laid back beach town of San Pedro, on the popular Ambergris Caye. SunBreeze Suites is comprised of twenty comfortable one bedroom vacation suites overlooking the beautiful blue sea. Each comes with a private balcony from where one can enjoy breath-taking sunrises, refreshing cool sea-breezes and romantic moonlight nights. They are equipped with air conditioning, Cable TV, a work desk, and a private bathroom. The hotel also features an outdoor pool and a dock with extended lounge decks, an onsite dive center, and a massage studio. Guests can experience Caribbean dining at the Jambel Jerk Pit Restaurant and Bar.

4 Star Properties

San Ignacio Hotel

San Ignacio Resort Hotel, open to guests since 1976, provides unsurpassed levels of luxury and service in Belize. The hotel offers 24 Luxury rooms and suites that offer hillside, garden, and rainforest views. The accommodations are designed with exotic local art and also, furnishings made from Belizean hardwood and sustainable mahogany, and are equipped with air conditioning, Cable TV, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. The hotel also offers a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, a game of tennis at the onsite courts, or a variety of rejuvenating treatments in the luxury spa. Guests can enjoy dining in The Running W Steakhouse & Restaurant, or a drink at the Lobby Bar.

Pooks Hill Lodge

Pook’s Hill is a small eco-lodge situated within the primary rainforest of Western Belize. Eleven thatch cabanas surround an ancient Maya site and look out over the jungle canopy. Each has a private bathroom with hot water and 24 hour electricity. Guests can enjoy swimming or tubing in the crystal clear water of the Roaring River downstream from the Thousand-Foot Falls in the Maya Mountains, hiking through the nature trails, or birding. At the main lodge relax at the bar over a cool drink. Meals are served in the lantern-lit dining room overlooking the forest canopy. Belizean and European dishes are served buffet style.

Victoria House

Spectacular, private, and located on a breathtaking Caribbean island, award winning Victoria House features 42 rooms offering a variety of world-class accommodations. From spacious infinity pool Villas, luxurious Suites, Plantation and Staterooms, to the quintessential tropical Casita, Victoria House provides the perfect venue for total relaxation and comfort. As a boutique resort, Victoria House is unsurpassed in the art of pampering its guests with an abundance of services and conveniences. Perched at the edge of one of most stunning natural wonders of the world, the Belize Barrier Reef, the resort offers a variety of exhilarating adventures.

El Pescador

El Pescador’s beachfront lodge and villas are situated on over 45 private acres with ambiance, specializing in fishing, diving and eco-adventures. El Pescador offers accommodations in guest rooms within its colonial style, mahogany main lodge, as well as in 1, 2, and 3 bedroom luxury beachfront villas. All rooms and villas are beachfront and have unobstructed views of the Caribbean blue waters. The hotel features 3 swimming pools, an exercise room, and complimentary kayaks, bikes, and paddle boards, as well as a fishing instructor and a scuba diving instructor. The onsite restaurant serves fresh, local Caribbean cuisine.

Villa Maya

Just 15 minutes away from Santa Elena International Airport and 45 minutes from Tikal National Park, the hotel is located in a vast natural private reserve, and the shores of Petenchel and Monifata lagoons, where a wide variety of birds inhabit, as well as unique flowers and trees.

Camino Real Tikal

After a day of cultural adventure, relax surrounded by the natural environment at the hotel. Rest and enjoy a privileged lake view in our confortable rooms. Enjoy our national and international cuisine at Ceibal restaurant or in the comfort of your room. Relax at the the pool, hot tub or taking a sauna bath in the Temascales, traditional Mayan saunas, located at the shores of Lago Peten Itza.

5 Star Properties

Ka’ana Boutique Resort

The Ka’ana Boutique Resort is a small luxury resort in Western Belize, where guests indulge in personalized service, luxurious appointments and modern amenities. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, and offer a small seating area, a TV, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. The hotel features a beautiful infinity pool, a gorgeous garden, and a luxurious spa offering traditional treatments, as well as specialized treatments specific to the area. Guests can enjoy fine dining at La Ceiba Restaurant offering local and seasonal ingredients, or have a drink at The Wallace Bar & Lounge.

Chaa Creek (cottage collection room)

Set along the banks of the Macal River and reaching towards the foothills of the Maya Mountains, Chaa Creek has provided unique adventure travel experiences for thousands of visitors looking for an in-depth yet civilized Belizean vacation. The 23 palm thatched cottage rooms ensure a good night’s sleep, and all are equipped with a Jacuzzi for extra comfort. The hotel features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, horse stables, and a luxurious spa with a variety of treatments as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the Maya Mountains and Caribbean rainforest. Guests can enjoy “Jungle Cuisine” in the al fresco dining room.

Portofino

Portofino is a beachfront resort situated on the pristine and unspoiled northern coast of Ambergris Caye, one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The boutique resort offers just 17 beautifully appointed rooms, ranging from charming beach cabanas to spacious suites, dotted amidst swaying palm trees, in a private setting with unmatched personal attention and the modern comforts. Relax in the fresh water outdoor swimming pool; enjoy a great book from the book collection or simply indulge in a massage on the beach. Delicious meals prepared by the chef can be served in the privacy or a beach cabana or suite, on the private dock with a romantic setting or at the Portofino Restaurant.

La Lancha (Rainforest Casita)

From the main lodge, winding paths lead to secluded guest Casitas. Each is brightly decorated, inspired by native art furnishings. The Rainforest Casitas have a view of the surrounding forest and a partial view of the lake, while the Lakeview Casitas offer a breathtaking panorama of Lago Peten Itza.

Luxury Properties

Chaa Creek Hotel (garden suite)

Set along the banks of the Macal River and reaching towards the foothills of the Maya Mountains, Chaa Creek has provided unique adventure travel experiences for thousands of visitors looking for an in-depth yet civilized Belizean vacation. The 23 palm thatched cottage rooms ensure a good night’s sleep, and all are equipped with a Jacuzzi for extra comfort. The hotel features a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, horse stables, and a luxurious spa with a variety of treatments as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the Maya Mountains and Caribbean rainforest. Guests can enjoy “Jungle Cuisine” in the al fresco dining room.

Las Terrazas

As one of the newest luxury properties on the island of Ambergris Caye, Las Terrazas is a Preferred Boutique Resort. Located just 3.5 miles north of San Pedro, Las Terrazas Resort invites guests to experience exceptional, spacious townhome-style accommodations and gracious Belizean hospitality at this oceanfront retreat. Each town-house includes a full sized kitchen, central air conditioning, flat screen TVs, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and beautiful views. The property features a large infinity pool with poolside bar, a full service spa and wellness center, and the gourmet O Restaurant, serving international as well as regional Caribbean and Latin American dishes.

Matachica Resort

Ideally located across the second largest coral reef in the world, on the Ambergris Caye island, along with a natural white sand private beach, Matachica is a Belize resort renowned for the elegance and refinement of its 31 villas, a perfect vacation spot for calm and relaxation. Each villa has been carefully decorated and arranged with the charm that characterizes Central America’s bright colors and exotic art. A subtle and tasteful combination of tradition and modernity aimed towards one priority: guest’s comfort and well-being. Discover the local cuisine and its seafood influence, relax at the spa with organic treatments, or take a jungle hike within Belize’s lush vegetation.

La Lancha (Lakeview Casitas)

From the main lodge, winding paths lead to secluded guest Casitas. Each is brightly decorated, inspired by native art furnishings. The Rainforest Casitas have a view of the surrounding forest and a partial view of the lake, while the Lakeview Casitas offer a breathtaking panorama of Lago Peten Itza.

Testimonials

Kay E.

Traveled August, 2012

thanks for all the work you did to make this a memorable experience

Mom loved Belize we are already thinking about the possibilities of a family trip someday soon. She did her first ever (at 83) snorkelling and her first golf cart ride the country is delightful and everwhere we went the people were fantastic. I would recommend this trip to anyone and have already mentioned it to several people (even in airports) our guides at Lamanai were very knowledgeable and attentive San Pedro was so different from the jungle what a fantastic experience. We did get a boat to the Blue Hole thanks for all the work you did to make this a memorable experience!!

Debbie

Traveled February, 2011

We loved our tour guides and will keep in touch with some of them.

We had such an amazing time and must say most of the reason was due to your wonderful coordination of services in Belize and Guatemala! We loved our tour guides and will keep in touch with some of them. I will go on travel web sites and comment about Yampu and the great job you did. The only place that we did not like was the hotel (Carnino Real Tikal) and especially the food in Guatemala; our guide said it was not known for the best food. All else was the best!

Lorrie

Traveled August, 2005

Your office did an excellent job of showing us the country

I just returned from my trip to Belize with my daughter and wanted to report that it was spectacular. Your office did an excellent job of showing us the country. They were prompt, courteous and knowledgeable. We had lovely accommodations and saw a lot of the variety that Belize has to offer. Lascelle was our guide for most of the time on the mainland and I know we would have missed a lot without him. When he took us to specific trails, however, he turned us over to the local guides who were also very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their specific area. The excellent care continued once we were on Ambergris Caye. We only had one scheduled adventure out there. We went snorkeling in a marine preserve and our guide was again very good at spotting the various sea creatures and in identifying them. I was also very impressed with the concern all the guides had with the care of their local ecology/ environment. One member of our snorkeling group was abusing the coral and our guide chewed him out and actually threatened to make him go back onto the boat if he did not follow the rules. I hope all the guides are as concerned as he was.All our flights were fine and the entire trip was beyond my expectations. I wanted to thank you and your staff and your Belize office for doing such an excellent job. I will definitely be on your website when I start planning my next trip!